DESCRIPTION OF LOADED VEGGIE PASTA WITH BASIL DRESSING
Our loaded veggie pasta with basil dressing offers a hearty, nourishing twist on traditional pasta salads. Featuring whole wheat spaghetti intertwined with spiralised zucchini, vibrant peas, crisp asparagus, and rich Parmesan, this salad is dressed in a homemade sweet basil vinaigrette that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a nutritious family meal, this dish promises a delightful burst of flavours and textures.
RECIPE CATEGORY
- Lunch, Dinner, Side
SERVING SIZE
- Serves 4
CUISINE
- Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
- Boil, Sauté, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
- Picnic, Family Reunion, Summer BBQ
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
- Healthy, High Fiber, Low Sugar
DISH TYPE
- Salad
INGREDIENTS FOR LOADED VEGGIE PASTA WITH BASIL DRESSING
- Whole wheat spaghetti: 8 oz
- Zucchini: 2 medium, spiralised
- Olive oil: 1 Tbsp for sautéing
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Peas: 2 cups, fresh or thawed from frozen
- Asparagus: 1 bunch, trimmed and cut
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, freshly grated
- Bacon: 4 slices, cooked and crumbled
Sweet Basil Vinaigrette:
- Fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup.
- White wine vinegar: 2 Tbsp
- Dijon mustard: 2 tsp
- Honey: 2 tsp
- Minced shallots: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 12g
PREPARATION FOR LOADED VEGGIE PASTA WITH BASIL DRESSING
- Cook Pasta: Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside to cool.
- Prepare Veggies: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic briefly, then add zucchini, peas, and asparagus. Cook until just tender.
- Make Vinaigrette: Blend all vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta with sautéed vegetables, Parmesan, and bacon.
- Dress: Pour vinaigrette over the salad, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.
PREP TIME
- 20 minutes
COOKING TIME
- 15 minutes
TIPS FOR LOADED VEGGIE PASTA WITH BASIL DRESSING
- For a crisper vegetable texture, blanch the asparagus and peas briefly before adding to the salad.
- Adding grilled chicken or shrimp can turn this side dish into a fulfilling main course.
VARIATIONS
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with your choice of gluten-free pasta.
- Vegan Version: Omit Parmesan and bacon, and use a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.
PREPPING AND STORAGE GUIDE FOR LOADED VEGGIE PASTA WITH BASIL DRESSING
- Salads can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. The dressing should be added close to serving time to maintain freshness.
- Store the dressing separately in the fridge and add just before serving for the best taste and texture.
This recipe for loaded veggie pasta is designed to offer a satisfying, nutritious meal or side dish that’s packed with flavour and ideal for various dietary preferences. Enjoy a burst of summer in every bite.